In a significant legal development, the Court of Appeal has overturned a previous ruling by the Lokoja High Court against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, in a contempt case initiated by former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello. This decision marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing legal battle between Bello and the anti-graft agency, signaling a shift in the direction of the proceedings.
Presided over by Justice Joseph O.K. Oyewole, the Court of Appeal granted the EFCC's motion for a stay of execution and proceedings in the contempt case pending before the Kogi State High Court. The court determined that the EFCC's motion ex parte possessed merit, thereby halting further action on the contempt charges for the time being. The hearing of the motion on notice has been adjourned to May 20, 2024, allowing both parties additional time to present their arguments.
With the Court of Appeal's ruling, the contempt proceedings against the EFCC and its chairman have been effectively suspended, providing a temporary reprieve for the anti-graft agency. Moreover, the decision permits the EFCC to proceed with its appeal against the earlier judgment of the Lokoja High Court, signaling a continuation of the legal dispute in higher judicial forums.
In addition to granting the EFCC's motion, the Court of Appeal ordered substituted service of all legal processes in the case to be carried out at Yahaya Bello's last known address in Abuja. This directive ensures that Bello is properly informed of the ongoing legal proceedings, despite his absence from the court proceedings.
The Court of Appeal's ruling represents a significant development in the legal saga between Yahaya Bello and the EFCC, with implications for the broader landscape of anti-corruption enforcement in Nigeria. As the legal battle continues to unfold, stakeholders will closely monitor the proceedings and their potential ramifications for future cases involving allegations of corruption and misconduct.
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